Related Stories

Then the newly minted Conservative MP said he wants to continue meeting Durham residents and hearing the issues that matter to the people he's been charged to represent in Ottawa.

"The focus is really to continue to be active in the community. To be a very active local representative and to make sure we keep on track in terms of job creation and trying to hold taxes low," said the corporate lawyer and former Canadian Forces helicopter navigator.

His first priority of protecting and attracting jobs to the riding was mentioned in his victory speech on Nov. 26. He also stressed the need to keep taxes low and said the government is working to make sure the pressure on families and seniors is kept down while the economy recovers.

This was Mr. O'Toole's first time running for office, although he's been involved with a number of campaigns, especially helping his father, long-serving Durham MPP John O'Toole, the provincial representative for Clarington, Scugog and Uxbridge.

"I, of course, have to thank my father, John, who has been an inspiration to me. I would say nobody typifies a true public servant more than John O'Toole ... He would always say to me 'You don't know the highs and lows until your name's on the sign'," said Mr. O'Toole.

On election night, John O'Toole said he was proud of his son, saying he worked hard and ran a positive campaign. He said he hopes his son has learned his motto that everyone has responsibilities, rights and deserves respect.

"I'm so happy for him and I hope he's ready for it," said the elder Mr. O'Toole, who offered advice. "The proper sequence is family first. And you're elected by your constituents, not Ottawa."

Erin O'Toole and his wife Rebecca live in Courtice and have two young children. For good luck on election night, Mr. O'Toole was carrying in his suit pocket a picture drawn by his six-year-old daughter, Mollie. Mollie was allowed to stay up past her bedtime to attend the celebration party. She admitted she was "a little" tired.

"I think it's really good," said Mollie of her father's win.

She said she's never been to Ottawa.

"I've always been wanting to go to it, though."

Mr. O'Toole won 50 per cent of the votes cast on election day.

He was reluctant to say he was expecting to win, but said he was optimistic because of the hard work his team put in and after talking with residents.

"I have to thank the voters of Durham for placing their trust in me," said Mr. O'Toole.

The Durham byelection was called after former Durham MP Bev Oda resigned in July, amidst controversy over her spending habits.

The big unknown factor was whether that controversy would sour Durham citizens on the Conservative party.

Mr. O'Toole said there were questions about the spending issue at the beginning of the campaign, but closer to election day it wasn't being brought up often up by residents.

"I'm pledging to everyone in Durham tonight to be an accountable, accessible, professional representative for our community," said Mr. O'Toole.